Switzerland. Following the alerts concerning the recall by the manufacturer, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., of the EpiPen and the EpiPen Junior Autoinjectors because some 10% of units were found to be ineffective due to damage during the manufacturing process, the Intercantonal Office for the Control of Medicines has recalled the following batches:

EpiPen: 806 509, 725 902, 732 213
EpiPen Junior: 806 507, 725 901, 732 215.

Patients are advised to return immediately the defective syringes to their doctor or pharmacist and exchange them with new syringes. In the interim, patients are advised to used the syringes they have in an emergency.

[See also Pharmaceuticals Newsletter Nos. 7&8, July&August 1998]

Reference: Schweizer Apothekerzeitung, 16/98.